DODOMA Jiji FC and JKT Tanzania FC are set to face off in an NBC Premier League clash at Jamhuri Stadium today, with both teams keen to shake off recent defeats and reestablish momentum in their league campaigns.
Dodoma Jiji FC enter this fixture following a 2-0 loss to Coastal Union last week, a setback after their 2-0 triumph over Tabora United earlier in October.
Led by coach Mecky Mexime (pictured), Dodoma Jiji have been struggling with consistency, winning only two out of their eight league games so far, while recording three draws and three losses.
With nine points in total, they currently sit in the lower half of the table, and Mexime acknowledges that today’s match could be pivotal in boosting his team’s standing.
In a pre-match interview, Mexime emphasized his team's readiness, noting the importance of tactical adjustments for today’s fixture.
“We’ve thoroughly analyzed JKT Tanzania’s strengths and weaknesses. Both teams are eager to get back on track, so we’ll need to be disciplined and focused to come out on top,” he stated.
"We’re selecting players who are best suited for the intensity of this match. Compared to previous games, this one requires a fresh strategy, and we’ve prepared accordingly."
The Dodoma Jiji coach also highlighted the need for caution regarding yellow card accumulation, particularly as physical play is expected.
“Yellow cards are a natural part of the game, and our players understand the importance of smart fouls to protect our advantage. It’s about strategic defense without risking unnecessary suspensions,” he added.
On the opposing side, JKT Tanzania FC will be aiming to rebound after a 2-0 defeat to Young Africans, the league’s top-performing team this season.
Coach Hamad Ally acknowledged the challenges of limited recovery time between matches, given the recent tight schedule, but he remains optimistic about his squad’s readiness.
“Despite the quick turnaround after the Young Africans game, we began preparations early, focusing on recovery and tactics,” Ally explained.
JKT Tanzania currently holds a goal difference of zero, a telling sign of their evenly balanced performance in attack and defense.
Known for their high number of draws this season, the team has won only two games but also managed to avoid defeat in four others.
Notably, their biggest win, a 4-2 victory over Tabora United, contributed to the dismissal of Tabora’s coach Francis Kimanzi.
This record demonstrates JKT Tanzania’s potential when they find rhythm, yet it also underscores the inconsistency that Ally is keen to resolve.
The coach acknowledged Dodoma Jiji's capabilities under Mexime and stressed that both teams' previous losses add intensity to today’s game.
“Dodoma Jiji have a talented squad and an experienced coach, so we’ll need to bring our best. Both teams are coming off a loss, and we need to be resilient and make use of limited scoring opportunities,” he said.
With the stakes high, today's match promises a tactical battle between two ambitious sides determined to improve their league positions.
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